Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

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2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

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as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
Bregman’s improvement has been a complement to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s incredible season and lengthens the Cubs lineup. Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 During the postseason last year, the football world finally glimpsed the full complement of Mosley’s powers. Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
The rest of the cabin was designed to complement the marquetry. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026 The final touch—a shiny ganache glaze—sets into a soft matte finish, adding sweetness and a light cocoa bitterness that perfectly complements both batters. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
Noun
  • Turmeric supplements may interfere with those on blood thinners or medication for diabetes.
    Nadine El Chaer, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Over six years, vitamin and supplement purchases climbed 56% since 2018.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Preckwinkle aimed the loans at districts with limited borrowing capacity or low cash reserves, offering interest-free money with a simpler application.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Upgrading avionics, computers, and maintenance systems would also squeeze more useful capacity out of the existing fleet.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Her pointed-toe heels adorned with a cute bow felt very ‘90s; the red buttons on her trench coat match her Chanel clutch.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Korsgaard’s lovely watercolor paintings adorn the book’s endpapers and recap the monthly finds described in each chapter.
    Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Stegra also highlighted that near-zero emission steel will initially be available at limited volumes and in few locations.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The two payment apps together account for nearly 85% of UPI transactions by value and 81% by volume, as per a report by Indian brokerage Ambit Capital.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Enduring principles can be enhanced by the essential replenishment of ideas — notions that might seem to contradict but that also sure can live in harmony.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The project is designed to improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, enhance worker safety, and extend the facility’s operational life.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Maldives is the next coastline for UAE real estate developer Mohamed Alabbar, who signed an agreement with the archipelago’s government for a $12 billion waterfront and marina development near the capital Malé.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • South Florida real estate brokers say the region’s rarest trophy homes offer waterfront on two sides — ocean in the back, Intracoastal in the front.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Construction of the first cell building began in summer 2023, while production equipment installation was completed by spring 2026.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Mahomes was sensational, completing 32 of 47 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Linn’s, decorated with vintage bikes mounted along its high walls, lived up to the hype.
    David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • By 1869, New York had taken to decorating ships in the harbor with Italian and American flags, in addition to hosting a carnival and parade.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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